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WHAT GOING MAKEUP FREE HAS TAUGHT ME

June 11, 2018

I've gone makeup free
for almost 2 whole months now (other than pops of lipstick) and this
entire process had me questioning a lot. Thinking to myself
that, 'isn't it weird that not wearing makeup can been seen more
unusual than actually wearing makeup?' How we're encouraged by
marketing schemes that by using certain products we develop into more
desirable and beautiful individuals. That by following whatever
beauty trends that are current you become.. more attractive? The
dependence that we have on makeup to make us feel better, more
structured within our day to day lives, or a form of escapism from
our true selves. All very deep things to think about, but as an
individual who has been wearing makeup from her early teens, I
suppose this was a wake up that was needed.

If you read my post on
skin complications ( read here ), you will know that I didn't go
makeup free by choice, it was more of a situation where it was best
and needed. In all honesty, not something I would've done for fun
unless highly persuaded lol. My poor skin went through a whale of a
ride, healing itself from the infection that came back, one or two
weeks into being on vacation, adjusting to the prickling heat of
Thailand, the capital city's unforgiving pollution, and being
stripped away from any skincare products. I had seen a dermatologist,
who had told me that what had caused the infection was a particular
type of eczema, triggered by lack of sleep and stress which turned
nasty.

So, instead of being
self-absorbed within my own appearance, worrying about painting my
face, or how I would look on particular days, I focused on my
physical and mental health, tending to what my body needs and wants,
and being more observant into the foods that made me feel good and
not so good. I researched into probiotics, gut health, foods to
avoid whilst having eczema prone skin, multivitamins, supplements,
and not to underestimate the power of a good nights sleep, hydration
and hella fruit!!!!

I've learnt throughout
this process, that yes, I can definitely be self-concious about my
appearance, and yes makeup can make me feel better about myself but
by breaking away from 'social standards' and having the ability to
love ourselves for our authenticity, this is far more empowering than
reaching for a temporary confidence booster. By going on a 'beauty
product cleanse,' I've been able to look through flaws that I
previously found in myself, and be more comfortable and less fearful
of leaving the house barefaced. ( I actually prefer not wearing
makeup, because it means I don't need to go through the whole process
of taking it off at the end of the day ). Makeup is no longer a
necessity, but more of a luxury. Due to the lack of products that
I've used on my face, my skin is naturally glowy, my eyelashes are
longer, my eyebrows are thicker and I feel as if my lips have got
plumper.

I am slowly trying to
rebuild my makeup collection. I don't feel that I'm currently at a
point in my life where makeup no longer serves me and that I won't
ever need to use it anymore, maybe someday I will reach that stage.
However, I am taking into more consideration where I'm purchasing my
products, e.g if they are from cruelty-free brands, vegan, natural,
organic etc. I also want to be able to build and maintain a very
minimal collection with items that I truly love and use on a daily
basis, if necessary.